NIC Sports and Social Club Brings Relief to Elderly Fire Victim

The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) Sports and Social Club is ensuring that an elderly fire victim has adequate food and personal supplies this year.

Rose Arestede, known affectionately as ‘Ms. Rose,’ lost all her belongings to a raging fire at her Upper Sunbuilt, Castries home on November 16, 2013.

Members of the NIC Sports and Social Club, along with other NIC employees donated the supplies to eighty-four-year-old Ms. Rose, during a short presentation ceremony at the NIC’s Offices in Castries on Thursday December 19, 2013.

The presentation is based on the Club’s annual Christmas tradition of assisting a charitable organization or person in need. President, Eliseus Jagroop says when Club members learned of Ms. Rose’s story on the news, they felt an urgent need to assist her.

“We asked members of staff to donate whatever food items that they could and we are presenting this to her today. I believe that it is part of our social responsibility to assist those in need in our community and those who cannot help themselves,” he said.

Christine Constantine is a neighbor of Ms. Rose and tried to assist as the elderly woman’s house went up in smoke. Over the past month, she has been visiting individuals and businesses, asking for help for her neighbor. She says the feedback from members of the public and corporate entities has been encouraging. Ms. Constantine praised the efforts of the NIC employees and members of the Sports and Social Club at ensuring that Ms. Rose is well cared for, during this difficult time.

“NIC Sports and Social Club did a good job for her. She does not live with me now. Another neighbor is taking good care of her, ensuring that she eats and sleeps well. I am happy that NIC Sports and Social Club has helped her out. We have to help one another, because at the age of 84, she cannot do it on her own. We are all trying our best and I am very proud of NIC Sports and Social Club,” she said.

An animated Ms. Rose recounted the ordeal of losing everything she owns to the November 16th blaze. She thanked the NIC Sports and Social Club and all those who have been assisting her in her time of need.

“I am feeling much better and everything is in God’s hands. Thank you. God will repay you all. If I live to see the 25th of March next year I will be 85,” she said.

The NIC Sports and Social Club contributes to the overall health and well-being of NIC employees, provides opportunities for new and long serving staff members to interact in a social environment and overseas social and sporting activities for staff. Members say they are also proud of the Club’s humanitarian efforts, which generate a greater sense of volunteerism and community, by helping the less fortunate.